By Tara Fischer 

Staff Writer 

(Oct. 3, 2024) Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola updated the community on neighborhood initiatives last week. 

The Veterans Memorial Pavilion is on track, and the work, which just recently began, is expected to be completed by Veterans Day. The initiative’s total cost is approximately $200,000. 

Viola maintained that the golf course irrigation project, which will replace a failing system, is currently in phase one. The inaugural portion of the initiative will include irrigation improvements to the pump station, the first and ninth holes, and the driving range. Officials expect the work, which began in September, to be completed by February or March. 

The major line being replaced at the site was 50 years old. Viola said that the new pipe is expected to last 75 to 100 years. 

“We are making the right move, and everything is good,” he said. 

The updated racquet sports building is also on schedule. Construction is expected to begin upon the completion of the Veterans Memorial Pavilion and will primarily include restroom enlargement and improvements. The upgrades are expected to be finalized by April and will cost approximately $150,000. 

Viola also introduced a new project during his report. The association is reviewing options for installing Jet Ski slips at the Swim and Racquet Marina for the next summer season. The initiative is in the planning stages, and officials have yet to finalize an estimated cost. 

The general manager updated the community on the planned South Station for the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD). In July, OPA and the OPVFD signed a Memorandum of Understanding to pave the way for the construction of the facility. 

Viola said the final cost has yet to be determined, but the OPVFD has some grants to assist with it. Officials will hold more discussions about the price tag in the coming months. The project is expected to break ground in fall 2025 and expand the station 15,110 square feet.

“We have had constant meetings with the Ocean Pines Fire Department,” Viola said. “I believe that at this point, we have a plan, we sketch, and we are in the planning stage.”

Road paving is planned for the upcoming year at Commodore Court, Dinghy Court, Fairhaven Court, Juneway Lane, Portside Court, Riverside Court, and Weeping Willow Court, and curve safety signs will be added to Ocean Parkway. 

Viola also maintained that his team had begun work on next year’s budget process. 

The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors will meet again on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 9 a.m. at the Clubhouse Meeting Room.